iPad Aps ??

[pmanton]

I'm a brand new iPad owner. It just arrived yesterday. Until now I've never owned an Apple product,

Well the screen said "Want some FREE aps?" Well after entering my Apple ID and password twice--A PITA with the on screen keyboard--I was asked for my credit card! Whoa!--- they said free--what gives? I didn't give them any plastic for the free stuff. What gives here? Why do I need a credit card for free stuff?

Must I buy ALL aps through Apple? Can I download stuff from the Net like my PC?

What's recommended for GPS and flight planning?

It looks like the iPad itself is just a mobile cash register. Everything on the screen seems to try to sell something.

Thanks for any tips.

Paul
N1431A
2AZ1

 

[EugeneR]

There are a plenty of free apps there, but you need to enter a credit card in order to use iTunes. They will not charge you unless you buy something.

For aviation use I recommend Foreflight (paid subscription) and aeroweather (free). I also use Sporty's e6b app (paid).

 

[AggieMike88]

Jesse's Weight and Balance Pro
WingX (FF's direct competitor)
Garmin's Pilot My Cast (not quite up to FF or WX, but coming on strong)
Live ATC
CloudAhoy
ASA's FAR/AIM
ASA's PrepWare for Instrument Pilot (allows you to take practice exams)
Goodreader or Evernote for reading PDF's (you can download checklists, POH's/Flight Manuals, and more)

+1 for Aeroweather

Must I buy ALL aps through Apple? Can I download stuff from the Net like my PC?

Yes. Every app must come through the Apple Store. The only way to not do this is to jailbreak your iPad. But might be beyond most people's ability.

 

[Artiom]

You don't really have to give your credit card number. Here is KB on how to create account without credit card:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2534

 

[Speed]

Or just make up a CC number. I just did that with Amazon. My purchase was less than the balance of a gift card and they still wanted a CC number, so they got a fake. Purchase went through just fine.